What sets this structure ( built in 1911 ) apart from the others and makes it special is the fact that it has been graced by Shirdi Sai Baba himself. “ One early morning in 1917 Hemadpant had a vision. Sai Baba appeared to him in his dream in the form of a well-dressed Sanyasi, woke him up and said he would come home for meals that day.

It was Holi and during lunch time the leaves were spread and arranged with ‘rangoli’ marks around them and all the members of the family sat for lunch. As the anna-shuddhi (ghee) was served footsteps in the staircase were distinctly heard.

When Hemadpant opened the door he saw two men Ali Mahomed and Moulana Ismu Mujavar. They apologized for disturbing them during lunch and handed over a packet wrapped in an old newspaper. After the two left Hemadpant uncovered the packet and saw, to his great wonder and surprise, a big nice picture of Sai Baba.

Hemadpant couldn’t control his tears. The picture was placed on the central seat reserved for the special guest and offered the Naivedya. This way Baba visited Sai Niwas in 1917 “, reveals one of the volunteers.

The main hall of the bungalow is where a splendid idol of Sai Baba (known as dnyan murthi ) is placed.

Devotees who visit Sai Niwas are given a leaflet containing sai mantras along with a rosary. “ People chant the verses and meditate.

As the story goes, Shirdi Sai Baba had given one of His devotees, Govind Raghunath Dabholkar, alias Hemadpant, three of His personal belongings for safekeeping before taking samadhi in 1918, with a promise that He would, in around 80 years’ time, return to reclaim it. The belongings were a small trident (trishul), a rosary (rudraksha mala) and a precious stone (shaaligram).

On May 28, 1996, Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu who had been visiting Sai Niwas since 1993, asked for these items from Shri Appa Dabholkar, grandson of Hemadpant. Appa Dabholkar fondly recounts the historic occasion when he, his wife and their children witnessed Bapu reveal himself in the form of Shri Sainath, no sooner than the three belongings were handed back to him.

The foundation of Shri Shetra Gurukul Juinagar was laid on 29th April 1999.The installation was done by the hands of P.P.Aniurddha Bapu and it was named Hemadpant Prachyavidya Prasahla,Sadguru Nivas Gurukul.

In this Gurukul the five Gods are installed in the garbhagruha that is formed in the shape of cow’s mouth. In the middle section the idols of Mahakali,Mahalaxmi & Mahasaraswati are placed. In the right hand side section of the three Goddesses Shri Mangarish is installed also known as Shri Mangesh. Shri Mangarish is considered the emblem bhakti.On the left hand side of the section of the same three Goddesses is present Shri Shantadurga.They are known as Panchapurushartha Devta.

Dharma chakra :

“यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य, ग्लानिर्भवती भारत ,

अभ्युत्थानम् अधर्मस्य तदात्मानम् सृजाम्यहम्”

Dharamchakra in reality means the Sudarshan Chakra that is Maha Vishnu’s weapon. This Dharamchakra can be established only by one who is a true warrior. Before this Parshuram and Shri Krishna had installed the Dharamchakra. After them P.P Bapuji has been the first one to install this in the Kalyug. Bapuji has himself installed this Dharamchakra for the destruction of Adharma and the restoration of true Dharma.

Before the installation of the Dharamchakra, Bapu had the same worshipped at the homes of 52 devotees. For three days at each devotee’s residence the Dharamchakra was worshipped with the chanting of “Om Sai Shri Sai, Jai Jai Sai Ram”.

This Upasana in 52 houses culminated at Sai Nivas. Only after this pious ritual did Bapu have the Dharamchakra installed in Shri Shetra Jui Nagar . This Dharamchakra is going to be vibrant and functional for the next 2500 years. This Dharamchakra has been laid at the rear side of the Sadguru Nivas near the Dhuni (fireplace). There is an approximately 7 feet long pole there and the same length is inside the ground too. This pole symbolizes Aniruddha’s finger, which holds the Dharamchakra.

*Dhunimata

In this Dhuni the devotees can offer oblations as per their desire. The Schedule for the Dhuni: Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday: 9.15 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Thursday: 9.15 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

*The Library :

In this library books are available in five languages for devotees which are Marathi,Hindi,English,Gujrathi & Sanskrit and that too without any cost.

*Vishwalochan Chakraraj :

On the second floor Bapu has established the Vishwalochan Chakraraj and this is the fifteenth one in order. Vishwalochan Chakra means the eye that sees the entire universe and this Vishwalochan Chakra is also performing its function of observing the universe.

When you sit in front of this Chakra and read any good or holy volume, then all the petty thoughts, your fears etc are destroyed by the vibrations of this Chakra. This also aids and gives rise to pious thoughts that will help you to progress.

If students sit and read or study for a minimum of four minutes in front of this Chakra it will help tremendously to improve their capacity of concentration and also helps to improve memory.

The most important thing is the number “1” in the middle section of the Vishwalochan Chakra which signifies the Mahapran Hanumant. The pure vibrations of this are beneficial to all devotees who sit and read/study here. *Panchapurushartha Upasana :

A unique & extremely systematic upasana can eliminate vices & also overcome impediments that arise in the ten sence faculties .the vibration emitted in the course of this upasana cleanse all our seven chakras.

Govidyapeetham was established under the auspices of “Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Upasana Trust” and thanks to the blessing and guidance of P.P.Aniruddha Bapu. Situated amid the beautiful natural environs of Kothimbe and spread over 18 acres of land , Govidyapeetham is a mere half an hour drive from the city of Karjat ( Raigad district ) and can also be accessed from Panvel, Nerul and even via Kadav. An aerial view of topography presents it in the shape of the ear of a cow (Gokarna).

Gopalvidya:

1. An effort to protect and nurture the cow, believed to be the dwelling of 33 crore deities. 2. To spread pure and sacred thoughts about the cow 3. To revive and impart the forgotten ancient Indian knowledge pertaining to the Govidya, the Gopalvidya, the Gayatrividya as also to mantras that help earn merit, viz. the Gosukta, the Gomatimantra, the Surabhimantra, the Gayatrimantra.

For the purpose of conducting a comprehensive research related to the cow and allied areas, the Govidyapeetham houses – 1. Cow shed 2. Clinic for Treatment of Cows 3. Library and study unit 4. Laboratory 5. Research and Development unit 6. Govidyapuram 7. Unit for production and processing of milk 8. Cold Storage unit (Temperature Controlled area.

GovindVidya: ‘Govind’ – He exists beyond the form as He does in the form, He is the Jagatguru, Lord Krishna. It is He, who comes at different times, assuming that one form of the Sadguru.

The following aspects will be included in the curriculum of the Govindavidya: 1. A study of the personality, mission, powers, values, ideology and the facets of the life of Shree Krishna. 2. A profound study of the present era falling back on the various facets of the persona of Shree Krishna, with the purpose of arriving at solutions to problems prevalent in today’s times.

Darshan areas:

1. Shree Krishna Sabhapeetham :

. Shree Krishna Sabhapeetham The main attraction of Govidyapeetham is the Shree Krishna sabhapeetham. An idol of the eight year old Shree Krishna stands in the sanctum sanctorum of the sabhapeetham.

. The idol of Shreekrishna has the cow (Gomata) standing close and gazing fondly His Feet. Four nanda deepas that burn round the clock illumine the sabhapeetham. Every pillar of the sabhapeetham holds a painting of each of the 10 Gurus of Shree Aniruddha as also that of saints and bhaktas immersed in the bhakti of Shreekrishna.

2. Pushkarinee Teertha :

In the exact centre of this sacred place is the ‘Muchkund Vriksha’ blessed by Shree Radha. The water used for the Abhishekh of Lord Krishna’s idol waters the Pushkarinee Teertha. The Harivijay Granth states that 12 Parikrama of the Muchkund Vriksha fills our life with joy. Bushes of the Krishna Tulsi demarcate the path of the parikrama. This entire area emanates peace and tranquillity.

3. Dyaanakuteer (meditation huts) :

Close to the Pushkarinee teertha are the five Dhyaan kuteers (Meditation Huts). The floor of these huts has been plastered with cow dung. This provides a very holy and pure atmosphere. The ambience in the Kuteers has been rendered sacred and siddha by the blessings and grace of P.P. Sadguru Shreeaniruddha. Bhaktas with immense love and firm faith, meditating in these huts have been graced with visions of their ishtadevataa near the old banyan tree (vata vriksha) that stands opposite these huts.

4. Goshala (Cow shed) :

The two separate sections of the Goshala house 30 cows and bulls each. The area for cows also houses the calves. Special areas have been systematically assigned for the supply of fodder and drinking water. Separate arrangements have also been made for clearance of dung. An area has been allotted to facilitate the delivery of cows. An area of more than 2 acres has been developed as grazing grounds for cows and their calves.

5. Dhuni mata :

Exactly behind the cowshed in the direction of main hall is the dhunimata. On 8th August 2002, P.P. Suchitdada lit the sacred fire (dhuni) in the presence of P.P. Sadguru Shree Aniruddha and P.P.Nandamai.

This dhunimata blazes down the ill effects of the past deeds of bhaktas and thereby protects them.

6. Vat vraksha (Banyan tree) :

700 to 750 years old, this tree is in the shape of the pindi of Lord Shankar. Symbolic of the Panchapurusharth, the trunk of this Banyan tree is wide and is actually a group of five distinct trunks. Lord Dattatreya is believed to dwell here. The owner of this land is known to have had the darshan of P.P. Sadguru Shreeaniruddha at this place even before he ever actually physically saw or knew Him.

7. Tulsi vrindawan :

This vrindavan was made as per the wish and instruction of P.P. Nandamai, in fact Laxmi. It is a practice to perform five pradakshinas around the vrindavan, chanting the Ghorkastodharan Stotra and recalling all the while, Lord Shreedattatreya in the mind.

8. Digvijay Paduka :

In the shape of a tortoise, this place reminds of the ‘Kurmaavataar’. Eight pillars support the main dais inside this structure. Uttering the words ‘Hari Om’, Sadguru Shreeaniruddha conveyed sacred and divine vibrations into these pillars, filling thereby the entire place with purity and sanctity.

On 6th June 2001, at the auspicious moment of the braahma muhurta, a radiant Sadhu gifted Padukas to Shri. Bhingarde. On 13th April 2002 Shri. Bhingarde after reciting the mantras placed the paduka on his head and installed them at this place.

There is a ‘yagya kund’ in the middle of the hall where the following three types of yaags are performed: 1. Vyankatesh Kaivalya yaag : Mondays and Saturdays 2. Shree Mahaganpati Heramba yaag : Tuesdays and Fridays 3. Shree Dattaguru avdhoot yaag : Wednesday and Thursday On Sundays however, all the three yaags are performed.

9. Dwarkamai :

When Sainath was in Shirdi and the Dwarkamai that existed then – this is exactly the same Dwarkamai, the unchanged Dwarkamai of the year 1916.

The flooring on the ground was the same, the same walls, the same pillars, the same place for Baba to sit, the same aasan, fireplace, the courtyard of Dwarkamai, the cooking place in the courtyard, the place where Baba used to stand – everything was just exactly the same.

The most important article was right in front of Dwarkamai; it was the rock on which Baba used to sit and Sainathji’s photograph above the rock.

Outside Dwarkamai are planted all those trees that are mentioned in the Sai Satcharit.

Bapu said,” For every true Sai bhakt, Sai Satcharit itself is Shirdi and the 11th chapter is Dwarkamai and the Sai sitting in Dwarkamai is the blessing and grace that is received from reading the 11th chapter.

This is the only verse in the Shri Saisatcharit where Hemadpant has given complete assurance about being able to attain the eternal Ram. This is the Rudradhayay. Rudra meaning Shiv. Shiv also is ceaselessly chanting Ram’s name.

This Dwarkamai is not a replica of the Dwarkamai in Shirdi but is the reinstatement of the original Dwarkamai itself.

“लागता या शाळेस पाय । कोण हतभागी माघारा जाय ।

This Dwarkamai has eight corners. Many individuals have strived very hard to create this beautiful Dwarkamai.

10. Deepotsav :

Festival of Lights…

The mother of the universe Chidananda is always very eager to forever light the lamp of eternal happiness and joy in the heart of the devotee and eradicate the darkness of turmoil.

P.P.Nandamai blessed us with delight by celebrating the festival of lights in Dwarkamai on the sacred occasion of Kartik Ekadashi.

11. Paapvimoc-hak Stambh :

The new practice of the ‘Paapvimoc-hak Pradakshina’ was initiated at the sacred location of Govidyapeetham near Kothimbe – Karjat on the auspicious occasion of Gurupoornima.

Placed right in front of Shri Muralidharji’s statue is the Garudastambh around which one circumambulates. On this pillar two idols each of Hanumanji and Garudji are existent. A single ‘Papvimoc-hak Kumbh’ is created with six green coloured pots positioned one on top of the other. The six pots represent the six internal enemies of a person.

These six foes are: attachment, pride, anger, envy, passion, and greed, these are the main causes that lead a man onto the path of sin. Only a Sadguru’s grace can completely obliterate our sins and help us to have power over our inner foes and only bhakti towards the Sadguru will allow us to receive His grace.

Atulit Bal Dham has been completely erected thru ‘Shramadaan’ (donation of labour).With the name of Bapu on the lips and labour by hands, hundreds of Bapu bhaktas erected this 2 storeyed beautiful edifice in a total of 14 months, that too, without the hiring of any contractual or professional services. Each floor has a 6000 sq.ft. hall.

FIRST FLOOR And the Sanctum Sanctorum is on the ground floor, where the Digvijay Ishtika has been installed on July 10, 2003 (Ashadhi Ekadashi).

On 18th June 2009, Pujya Sameerdada founded statue of Panchamukh Hanumant in place of Ishtika(a brick)

This Dham built on the foundation of P.P. Bapu’s, Nandamaai’s and Suchitdada’s blessings, the untiring efforts of the volunteers and bhaktas, and the good wishes of lakhs of bhaktas together, takes pride in flaunting itself as the Shaktipeeth of the whole world.

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*KSHEMKUMBH : There are three other places in this Atulit Bal Dham, which are of extraordinary importance. One is the Kshemakumbh, is not just a well, but a holy place in itself.

The land of Atulit Bal Dham is the land of Shesha. ‘Kshema’ is another name of Shesha, hence this well was named as ‘Kshemakumbh’.

When the water of the well was tested by the Water Department, it was certified to be of the highest quality.Many bhaktas take home this water as ‘Tirtha’ (Holy water). The water from this Kshemakumbha is used for the garden, vegetable patch etc. of Atulit Bal Dham. Yet, till date, this Kshemakumbh is always completely full.

*AUDUMBAR : The place in front of this ‘Kshemakumbh’ is Saint Namdev Maharaj’s Audumbar tree.

*TULSI VRINDAVAN : The next place is the Tulasi Vrindavan in front of the entrance, the place of Saint Janaabai. When we make pradakshinas (circumambulate) around the Audumbar tree, i.e. the place of Namdev Maharaj, we experience distinct waves of joy in our hearts. Similarly at the Tulsi Vrindavan i.e. Saint Janabai’s place, we get a feeling of happiness. In both these places, the bhaktas can sense the presence of these Great Saints’ Nirgun state, in a heightened state of devotion.

Utsavs (festivities) celebrated at Atulit Bal Dham :

‘Hanuman Jayanti’, i.e. the worship of Ashwattha Hanumant Idol and Panchakumbhabhishek. And for the entire day, the mantra ‘Om Shri Ramadootaya, Hanumantaaya Mahaapraanaaya Mahaabalaaya Namo Namah’ is chanted and abhishek is offered by the bhaktas and Satsang is held.